Love All your Trees in the windows..so festive..Cudos to DH on the outdoor decos...but I have to add to what others commented on.. Dottie!! She might have signs of wear and tear on her...but there's Nothing like 'Experience' and I'm sure Dottie has lots of stories to tell! Ahhh if trees could only talk. I can tell how much you love your home, you've done a beautiful job, both inside and out. jane

Someone recently showed me the bookmark she got as a wedding favor. It was beautifully printed, paper, pictures, fonts. I believe it was laminated and had a pretty ribbon attached. On one side it had things about the bridal couple (picture, date of wedding) on the other side was a word; hers said FINANCE and a scripture relating to finance was below it. Each guest was asked to use the bookmark and pray for couple over the years to come. So my friend is praying over their finances, someone else would pray over their health, etc. I'm sure you could use the fruits of the spirit for words - everyone at the table would get a different word! And the couple will be covered with prayer! I was thinking of doing this for my DD's baby shower.

Hi dana gardener - I am wondering, what do you want to do? Do you really want to go or do you feel that it is an obligation? Even if it is an obligation it doesn't matter as long as you strongly desire to be there for someone you Love and want to support and share in the person's special day. This is what counts. However, if you cannot afford this trip with all the expenses involved, even if you want to be there, then I would express that in a note to the Bride with a gift that you can afford. No one should feel "forced" to attend when it will be so costly to do so. You may feel bad for not going if you truly desire to share in this Blessed event but you should also feel free and not guilty if you decide not to go because of the financial, emotional, etc. stress that it will cause you. No matter what decision you make it is your right to do so whether you go or not.

I'm not sure about the peanut butter cookies, but you can freeze the ginger cookies. To make sure they stay absolutely fresh, I'd double wrap them in ziplock freezer bags. Here's a really good recipe that a girlfriend passed on to me - I know they freeze well because we made ice cream sandwiches out of them last summer :-) Becky * Exported from MasterCook * Giant Ginger Cookies Recipe By : Serving Size : 0 Preparation Time :0:00 Categories : Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method -------- ------------ -------------------------------- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 4 teaspoons ground ginger 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups shortening 2 cups granulated sugar 2 eggs 1/2 cup molasses 3/4 cup coarse sugar or granulated sugar 1. In a medium mixing bowl stir together flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt; set aside. 2. In a large mixing bowl beat shortening with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds to soften. Gradually add the 2 cups granulated sugar. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in eggs and molasses. Beat in as much of the flour mixture as you can with the mixer. Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour mixture. 3. Shape dough into 2-inch balls using 1/4 cup dough. Roll balls in the 3/4 cup coarse or granulated sugar. Place about 2-1/2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. 4. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 12 to 14 minutes or until cookies are light brown and puffed. (Do not overbake or cookies will not be chewy.) Cool on cookie sheet for 2 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool. Store in a tightly covered container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Makes twenty-five (25) 4-inch cookies. http://www.bhg.com/recipe/desserts/giant-ginger-cookies/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - NOTES : To create the chewy texture, be sure to make them with shortening, not butter or margarine.